PIP WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

[studentvera]

I'm just wondered if anyone has successfully applied for PIP when living with bad rheumatoid arthritis? I've been meaning to apply for a few years but not sure how hard it is to prove and claim? Thank you so much

A PIP award is not based on a diagnosis but how your condition affects you on a daily basis in relation to the PIP descriptors. So they look at whether you can cook a simple meal, wash and dress yourself, manage your medications and treatments, budget and make budgeting decisions, communicate, manage an unfamiliar journey alone and whether you can mobilise. PIP looks at whether you can do each of these activities reliably, within a reasonable time frame etc. PIP can be difficult to be awarded. The key is to get good relevant medical evidence to show how you meet the descriptors and send it with the form. If you are on strong medication , then send a prescription list showing this, if you take methotrexate etc, then show it. If you have needed an occupational therapist to assess your home and order equipment to make your life easier then show an OT report. If walking causes you pain , stiffness, you need to stop frequently, you are at risk of falling then explain it all thoroughly giving examples.

I should also add, the first step is to ring and start the claim. You will be sent a detailed from to complete. Then a number of weeks afterwards you will have an assessment with an assessor asking you questions based on what you wrote on the form. If you score enough points you will get an award either standard or enhanced and either daily living or mobility or both. If you are not awarded then you can ask the DWP to look at your claim again and if still turned down you can appeal to an independent tribunal to look at whether the law has bene correctly applied to your claim.

Yes my mum has got PIP for same condition. Process was straight forward

Thank you very helpful

I get enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility for MH conditions mainly but also for psoriatic arthritis which is very similar to rheumatoid. I was rejected twice for PIP, missing out by a point each time and third time lucky, I got it and same award at the review a few years later. As others have said, its not the condition you have that matters but more so how they affect you. My advice would be to apply as you have nothing to lose but be prepared to fight and gather as much medical evidence as you can and read the descriptors carefully and answer as in depth as you can. I wish you luck with your application. It has been a god send for me especially with the motability car. It has been my lifeline.